Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
The imPACT team of 13 international experts reviewed cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, as well as nuclear and radiation medicine safety. For the first time, the imPACT review also included radiopharmaceutical production.
The assessment underlined Chile’s achievements in cancer control, including universal health coverage, the adoption of latest technologies and a highly trained health workforce sustained by strong academic institutions.
At the same time, the team identified opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening governance and coordination mechanisms for cancer control, reducing waiting times, increasing access in underserved regions, and enhancing national cancer surveillance and information systems.
Chile has a well-established national governance structure for cancer control, which includes the Child and Adolescent Cancer Plan 2023-2028 and the Adult Action Plan for the National Cancer Plan 2022-2027.
“Chile’s cancer control strategy is rooted in inclusive and participatory processes. The involvement of stakeholders from across ministries, academia and civil society is essential to address the most pressing challenges,” said Bernardo Martorell Guerra, Vice Minister of Healthcare Networks at MINSAL.
The country is seeking to expand cancer control activities, including enhanced infectious disease control, addressing risk behaviours such as tobacco use and expanding access to radiation medicine.